I have revised this blog and now would recommend this entry as one of the first to read as it is an introduction and foundational to everything that follows. Where to begin and why are critically important questions. Before an attempt is made to identify the process whereby one moves towards a higher state functioning and wellbeing it is necessary to define what wellbeing is.
While academic debate continues about precisely how ‘wellbeing’ should be defined, it is never the less clear a number of domains or aspects of an individual's identity play roles in ensuring that people feel their lives are going well, there is purpose, meaning and sense of control over what is happening.
Wellbeing is most usefully thought of as the dynamic process that gives people a sense of how their lives are going, through the interaction between their circumstances, activities and the mental, moral, physical and spiritual resources they have at their disposal.
Because of this dynamic nature, high levels of well-being mean that we are more able to respond to difficult circumstances, to innovate and constructively engage with other people and the world around us. As well as representing a highly effective way of bringing about good outcomes in many different areas of our lives, there is also a strong case for regarding well-being as an ultimate goal of human endeavour.
Wellbeing encompasses a number of key aspects of being. Each aspect or domain of wellbeing interacts with other domains in a synergistic relationship. Each one contributes essential or helpful elements to the overall functioning of the whole. Stressors, demands, needs and circumstances dictate which one or more of the elements are needed.
Achieving well-being has been the concern of philosophers, poets and theologians for generations, and is, in many respects it is considered the essence of human existence. In recent years, well-being has expanded beyond the realm of religion and philosophy to that of psychology, biochemistry and neuroscience. There has been a growing body of research into what contributes to the quality of the experiences in a person’s life. Exploring the science of wellbeing or as one researcher calls authentic happiness has provided insights into and acknowledgment of the multiple dimensions of wellbeing.
Wellbeing involves each of the following:
a feeling state involving an array of neurotransmitters, bio chemicals and hormones, a balanced mix being necessary for homeostasis and wellbeing to be achieved
a doing state suggesting active involvement in rewarding meaningful activities is also essential
a moral state of being where beliefs and attributes of character represent key inner resources to help cope with the exigencies of life i.e. integrity, patience, generosity, respect, commitment etc.
a social state where social beings acknowledge that social connectedness and developing social relations is essential to happiness
a spiritual state where basic questions of life are answered; many derive considerable hope and peace from spiritual beliefs, powers and resources
a cognitive process where thoughts, attitudes and perceptions constitute the seedbed of feelings and behaviour
a physical state where attending the needs of our physical body, through rest, exercise and adequate nutrition
Together they represent key aspect of a person’s identity. Each one contributing to the functionality of the whole. As each part has the capacity to contribute, so to can one part detract or undermine the cohesive nature of the whole. Knowing what each part can potentially contribute allows an individual to enhance the contributory elements of the part. Each segment or part comprises unique, yet necessary components to the overall functionality and wellbeing of the whole.
Understanding what constitutes these essential elements enables an individual to add, remove, improve replace or adjust particular pieces with the intent of increasing functional performance. Given that even one disabled part can have a deleterious effect on adjoining or associated components. It is also useful to recognize the ripple effect of one defective part has on another. The number and complexity of interrelated elements requires a constant mindful attention to what is happening with the internal workings of our being.
This harmonious working relationship can be likened to an ecosystem where all parts operate in balance with all other parts and a state of homeostasis is achieved. This synchrony is what defines wellbeing, each part providing and fulfilling its intended purpose.
By extension we are much more than one individual part or for that matter even the sum of the parts. We are constantly in a state of flux, changing and adapting according to the demands of circumstances, hence no part is static. Each is evolving, either growing or shrinking, either able to rise above a challenge or succumbing to it. The capacity to move forward in spite of the vagaries of circumstance is preconditioned on the functionality of the internal working parts. The greater the demands the more stress imposed on the system.
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